Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Sunday that Trkiye is committed to safeguarding Syria’s territorial integrity and preventing instability from spilling over its southern border. Erdogan emphasized that Trkiye will continue its efforts to eliminate terrorist threats, particularly from groups such as the PKK/YPG, which have been operating in northern Iraq and attempting to establish a corridor in northern Syria along Trkiye’s border.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan warned that Trkiye’s patience is not unlimited and expressed the expectation that the PKK/YPG will disband and disarm without further delay. He reiterated Trkiye’s commitment to its ‘Trkiye without terrorism’ initiative, aimed at quashing these terrorist groups.
During Eid prayers at Istanbul’s Grand Camlica Mosque, Erdogan also commented on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He acknowledged the renewed Israeli attacks that have occurred since October 2023, which have resulted in significant casualties and violations of a
previous ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military’s aerial campaign, initiated on March 18, has led to the deaths of over 920 individuals and injured more than 2,000.
The conflict in Gaza has been devastating, with over 50,200 Palestinians, primarily women and children, reported killed, and over 114,000 injured. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Trkiye, the US, and the EU, has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people over the past 40 years. The YPG, its Syrian branch, has sought to establish a presence in northern Syria. PKK terrorists frequently hide in northern Iraq to plan cross-border attacks on Trkiye.